Hainan drug control volunteer training class opened, routine check found two bags of crystal meth outside the city, addicts in Luoyang sell drugs in prison. To carry out place culture construction further:
For people who consume drugs, there are not a few cases of relapse after failed detoxification. So how can one completely quit drugs? Below, I will introduce it in detail for you, hoping it will be helpful to everyone.
What are the common methods to completely quit drugs?
1. How does the natural detoxification method work?
That is, no special detoxification medicine is provided to the drug user, and the use of drugs is forcibly stopped, allowing the withdrawal symptoms to develop and fade naturally, also known as the "cold turkey" method. The peak of withdrawal symptoms usually occurs on the third day, that is, 72 hours after quitting drugs. After enduring this period, the condition begins to improve. Between 7 to 10 days, most obvious symptoms disappear, and the physical dependence is basically overcome. The application of the natural detoxification method has a long history. Even today, many countries, especially those in Southeast Asia, still commonly promote forced drug cessation (withdrawal) in compulsory detoxification institutions.
This method is simple and takes the shortest time. Some people even believe that allowing drug users to experience discomfort and pain helps them learn from their mistakes and avoid relapsing. However, after decades of application worldwide, the effect of learning from mistakes and avoiding relapse has not been observed using the natural detoxification method. Instead, it makes drug users fear detoxification institutions, trying to avoid them and losing the motivation to seek treatment. The natural detoxification method is not suitable for elderly or weak individuals and may sometimes endanger life. However, for those who have used drugs for a short period, with small quantities and less severe physical dependence, the natural detoxification method can be used. Completing detoxification does not mean everything is fine; protracted withdrawal symptoms can take half a year, or even a year, to subside. Drug users often feel tormented at any time. The craving for drugs sooner or later leads to relapse.
2. How does the drug detoxification method work?
It involves using various anti-withdrawal symptom drugs to reduce the pain experienced by drug users during the detoxification process, or using other similar drugs for substitution and tapering treatment.
(l) Methadone substitution tapering method.
Methadone is a synthetic anesthetic with pharmacological effects similar to morphine. It has a long-lasting effect and works well when taken orally. These two characteristics make it the main medication for the substitution tapering method. Since it does not produce toxic effects on human thinking and behavior, it is also used in methadone maintenance therapy. The side effects of methadone are similar to morphine. Common side effects include constipation, sweating, sedation, and sexual desire inhibition. Women may sometimes experience swelling in the lower limbs. Except for persistent constipation, other side effects can gradually become mild as the body adapts. Methadone also has euphoric effects, but they are not as intense as heroin. Methadone is a bitter white powder that dissolves easily in water and ethanol. Various administration routes can be used, but subcutaneous injection is irritating.
Methadone injection solution comes in vials, 10 mg/ml. Special tablets for opiate addiction detoxification contain 3.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 40 mg per tablet. Detoxification methadone contains insoluble excipients to prevent its injection use. In China, methadone syrup is mostly prepared for oral use. There are also methadone tablets, capsules, and oral liquids. Oral tapering doses are handled according to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health for commonly used opiate addiction detoxification treatments. Most patients complete the treatment within 15-20 days and stop medication on the 21st day. Methadone effectively controls withdrawal symptoms, has a long-lasting effect, provides clinical effects lasting 24-36 hours, and is convenient to take. It has no serious side effects, and repeated use can produce long-term clinical effects. Long-term use of methadone can lead to physical dependence, psychological dependence, and tolerance, so the addictive nature and abuse potential of methadone should not be overlooked. A strict management system for methadone must be established to prevent its diversion into illegal use.
(2) Opiate tapering method
The opiate tapering method has been used in China for the longest time, and it is clearly effective for opiate addiction detoxification. It is safe to use clinically, has few side effects, and is suitable for opiate or milder heroin addicts. The dosage of the opiate tapering method needs to be appropriate; too high a dose makes tapering difficult, while too low a dose fails to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The principle of individualization should be followed, taking into account the duration of drug use, daily drug consumption, the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and the amount of drug consumed in the past two weeks to determine the initial dose. Adjustments can be made later based on the control of withdrawal symptoms. The opiate tapering method usually takes about 10 days to complete, but in some cases, it may extend to over two weeks. The first three days involve adjusting the replacement dose, which should be sufficient. Afterward, the dose is reduced, and the reduced amount is replaced with a placebo. Specific usage follows the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health for commonly used opiate addiction detoxification therapies.